Christening and alternative naming ceremonies (merged)

SPL

We bought bonds for our god daughter when she was chritstened - from the post office

There is a good rate of return and we plan to invest in them regularly until she is 18 and then will have something towards her further education, etc

Hope this helps

Jeryth

I wasn't christened till I was 8, which meant I could choose my middle names AND godparents!

Anyway, I received a silver cross, which I still have and treasure, even though my faith has left me......

Lillibet_2

Erm.........Don't all your names have to be on yoru birth certificate? That is a legal document, a christening isn't a legal procedure ???

macchicken

Popular presents are silver christening bangles or christing mugs. I was christened at 6mths and i still have both of mine (now 22)
Or cherished teddies make sutible gifts too, and you can add to the collection each year.

Jay-Jay_4

My daughter got a lovely gold bracelet/bangle, engraved "with love from your godmother, *name*"

I love the idea of books though, there are some beautifully illustrated collections out there.

plumpmouse

I like the book idea a lot. Reading is such an important part of a childs life and the thought that you gave them that gift is a wonderful thing

rach

the book idea is a great one. i bought my Godson a children's bible and a great ark thing which had other biblical books in, which i got at the local Christian bookshop.

i think something which shows you are taking the role seriously is really important!

Jeryth

Lillibet, I have no idea about legal names and birth certificates. I thought births had to be registered within so many days, and christenings happened at some point before adulthood! I was adopted, and my original parents did not christen me as they wanted me to make my own choices. So I have TWO birth certificates, one with my birth name, and the other issued after my adoption when I was 4. I use my middle names as if they were legal; I've never considered them otherwise.

Interested now............

Peakma

what about starting a charm bracelet, that can be added to through out her life.saves having to think about future gifts also!

Jay-Jay_4

Lillibet, I have no idea about legal names and birth certificates.  I thought births had to be registered within so many days, and christenings happened at some point before adulthood!  I was adopted, and my original parents did not christen me as they wanted me to make my own choices.  So I have TWO birth certificates, one with my birth name, and the other issued after my adoption when I was 4.  I use my middle names as if they were legal; I've never considered them otherwise.

Interested now............

You can call yourself whatever you want to as long as it's not for illegal purposes. So if your birth cert says John Smith but you want to call yourself John David Smith, you can as long as your not attempting to deceive anyone.

You can use this name for most things but if you're applying for a passport, getting married or anything 'legal' then you may need proof so you may need to change it officially (deed poll or statutory declaration).